Cost of Living Comparison for Dallas, TX
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Dallas's cost of living index is 105 — 5% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Dallas Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Dallas stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Dallas, TX | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $370,000 | $420,800 | -12.1% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,275 | $1,713 | -25.6% |
| Median Household Income | $69,400 | $74,580 | -6.9% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.80% | 1.10% | +63.6% |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Dallas Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 7,760,000
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg Commute
- 28 min
- Median Age
- 34.8
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 24.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $6,660
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Texas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Dallas
What is the median home price in Dallas, TX?
The median home price in Dallas is $370,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Dallas?
Median monthly rent in Dallas is $1,275. That works out to $15,300/year, or 22% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Dallas affordable?
Dallas's cost of living index is 105 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $69,400/year and a median home price of $370,000, the price-to-income ratio is 5.3x. Dallas falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Dallas?
The effective property tax rate in Dallas is 1.80% of assessed value. On the median home of $370,000, that's roughly $6,660/year ($555/month).